Airbag module and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an airbag module (10), for example a front airbag module, comprising a generator carrier (18), which delimits a receiving chamber (24) for receiving a folded airbag (16), a gas generator (20), which is fastened to the generator carrier (18) outside the receiving chamber (24) and extends through a receiving opening (29) in the generator carrier (18) into the receiving chamber (24), and an airbag (16), which, in the folded state, is received in the receiving chamber (24) and to which at least two tabs (46) are fastened which, at their free end, have an opening (50) through which the gas generator (20) extends and secures the tabs (46) when the airbag (16) is deployed and under tensile loading. The invention also relates to a method for installing an airbag module (10).

Description

[0001] Gasbag module and procedure

[0002] The invention relates to a gasbag module, for example a front gasbag module, and a method for assembling a gasbag module.

[0003] Gasbag modules are typically part of vehicle occupant restraint systems and serve to support a vehicle occupant if the vehicle comes to a rapid stop, for example by driving into an obstacle.

[0004] A gasbag module typically contains a folded gasbag and a gas generator that releases gas when needed to inflate the gasbag.

[0005] In the known gasbag modules, the gas generator is attached to a generator bracket, and the gasbag is held in place by a retaining plate, which clamps the gasbag between the generator bracket and the retaining plate. For attaching the retaining plate to the generator bracket, for example, four threaded bolts and a corresponding number of nuts are provided.

[0006] Due to the large number of fastening elements, such a gasbag module is complex to assemble and expensive.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a gasbag module that is optimized with regard to manufacturing costs and assembly.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by a gasbag module, for example a front gasbag module, comprising a generator carrier that defines a receiving space for a folded gasbag, a gas generator attached to the generator carrier outside the receiving space and extending into the receiving space through a receiving opening in the generator carrier, and a gasbag that is received in the receiving space in a folded state. At least two tabs are attached to the gasbag, each having an opening at its free end through which the gas generator extends. When the gasbag is unfolded or otherwise subjected to tensile stress, the gas generator secures the tabs. The fundamental idea of ​​the invention is to use the gas generator as an anchor for securing the gasbag.A currently standard gas bag retaining plate for clamping the gas bag can therefore be omitted, resulting in a more compact gas bag connection and saving a sheet metal component. Additional fastening elements such as threaded bolts and nuts can also be eliminated. The gas bag module can thus be manufactured particularly cost-effectively.

[0009] The flaps are formed, for example, by strips of fabric that may be made of the same material as the gasbag.

[0010] The opening at the end of the tab can be formed by a recess in the tab.

[0011] In the area of ​​the gas generator, the overlapping tabs serve to compensate for tolerances, to dampen noise, and to seal the generator support at the interface between the gas generator and the generator support.

[0012] The airbag module is, for example, a Driver Airbag Module (DAB module) mounted in the hub area of ​​a steering wheel or a Passenger Airbag Module (PAB module) mounted below the windshield and behind the dashboard on a body cross member.

[0013] According to one aspect, the generator support forms an outlet-open container with a circumferential wall and a bottom. The tabs extend from the receiving space of the generator support through corresponding recesses in a wall of the support, particularly in the bottom or at the transition to the circumferential wall, and bear against an outer wall of the support in sections, extending towards the gas generator. By guiding the tabs through the recesses along the outer wall, the forces occurring during the deployment of the gas bag are distributed evenly across the generator support. This reduces the risk of material failure, thus increasing the reliability of the gas bag module. Furthermore, the tensile forces during the deployment of the gas bag act on the gas generator perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. The gas generator is particularly resilient in this direction.Furthermore, this prevents the gas generator from potentially being pulled out of the generator carrier by the tensile forces that occur when the gas bag is deployed.

[0014] According to one variant, the generator support is trough-shaped.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the generator support is cuboid in shape, but other shapes are also conceivable, for example a cylindrical generator support.

[0016] The generator carrier, for example, is manufactured as a plastic injection molded part.

[0017] According to a preferred variant, the generator carrier is made in one piece.

[0018] The generator support wall can be formed, at least in sections, as a double wall with an inner wall and an outer wall spaced from it in a direction transverse to a central axis of the generator support. The recesses through which the tabs are guided out of the receiving space are formed between the inner and outer walls of the double wall. The double wall can be present in an area adjacent to the bottom of the generator support. Because the recesses for the tabs are located between the inner and outer walls, they can be produced during the manufacturing of the generator support by demolding in the axial direction. Consequently, no slide is required to create the recesses. Furthermore, the double wall increases the stiffness of the generator support.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the gasbag has an inlet opening for the gas generated by the gas generator, wherein the inlet opening is surrounded by a collar that extends into the area between the inner and outer walls, such that the receiving space is sealed off to the outside by the gasbag. This prevents the gas generated by the gas generator from escaping laterally. The gas can thus be completely directed into the gasbag, which enables particularly efficient inflation of the gasbag. In other words, the filling speed of the gasbag is optimized.

[0020] The inlet opening is also referred to as the gasbag mouth. According to one aspect, the gasbag module has a cover that closes the receiving chamber. This cover has at least one locking element that, when the cover is installed, extends between the inner and outer walls of the generator support and locks into place on the support. This contributes to a particularly compact design of the gasbag module. Furthermore, the locking element's positioning between the inner and outer walls contributes to sealing the receiving chamber.

[0021] According to one variant, a counter plate, in particular a counter sheet, is arranged on the generator support, reinforcing the base of the generator support. The counter plate can be designed for stabilization and / or vibration damping. In particular, the counter plate serves to secure a snap-fit ​​connection between a cover closing the receiving space and the generator support, specifically to prevent the cover's snap-fit ​​element from detaching from the generator support when the gas bag module is activated.

[0022] For example, the counter plate is snapped onto the generator bracket. However, other fastening options are also conceivable.

[0023] According to one design, the flaps of the gasbag extend between the counter plate and the base of the generator support. This protects the gasbag fabric of the flaps from damage during transport and installation of the gasbag module.

[0024] The tab that passes through the recess is suitable, for example, to dampen vibrations of the cover through contact with the locking element.

[0025] Specifically, the cover element can be snapped onto an edge of the outer wall.

[0026] The cover could be, for example, a steering wheel cover or an instrument panel. According to one aspect, a mounting structure for attaching the gas generator is molded onto the generator bracket. Separate fasteners for securing the gas generator are therefore not required.

[0027] For example, the gas generator is attached to the generator support via a bayonet connection. This allows for simple and reliable attachment of the gas generator to the generator support.

[0028] The gas generator, for example, is a cylindrical pot generator with a clamping flange protruding from its circumference, from which bayonet lugs extend.

[0029] Alternatively, it is also conceivable to attach the gas generator to the generator support by means of hot caulking or by direct screwing.

[0030] The tabs can each be clamped between the generator support and the gas generator along the edge of the mounting opening, more precisely on the back side of the base. Attaching the tabs is therefore particularly easy, as the mounting opening on the back side of the base is easily accessible during installation.

[0031] For example, each tab has at least one recess shaped to complement the mounting structure. This allows the tabs to lie flush against the generator support. Furthermore, the recesses, in combination with the mounting structure, align the tabs and prevent them from slipping, especially before the gas generator is installed. The recesses also ensure that the mounting structure remains accessible even after the tabs are positioned.

[0032] The tabs can each form an extension of a retaining strap, which influences the contour of the inflated gas bag, in particular limiting its deployment depth. This contributes to the simpler manufacturing of the gas bag.

[0033] If no retaining straps are provided, the tabs can be attached to the gas bag in the area of ​​the inlet opening.

[0034] According to one variant, the tabs have a protrusion surrounding the opening, which is arranged radially between the gas generator and the generator support. This improves the sealing of the receiving space in the area of ​​the receiving opening for the gas generator.

[0035] The protrusions are formed, for example, during the assembly of the gas generator. This can be achieved by manufacturing the opening in the tab to a slightly smaller size, so that during assembly, material from the tab is drawn into the gap between the gas generator and the generator support.

[0036] The generator carrier can have a mounting structure molded onto it for attaching the generator carrier to a vehicle structure. In other words, the mounting structure can be integrally formed within the generator carrier.

[0037] The mounting structure for attaching the generator support can include at least one screw tab molded onto the side of the generator support and / or a locking lug protruding from the base of the generator support and / or at least one screw hole located on the base of the generator support. This results in a wide range of mounting options.

[0038] The problem is further solved according to the invention by a method for assembling a gasbag module according to the invention, comprising a generator carrier that defines a receiving space for a folded gasbag, a gas generator, and a gasbag to which at least two tabs are attached, the tabs having an opening at their free end. According to a first method step, the gasbag, in its folded state, is inserted into the receiving space of the generator carrier, and the tabs are positioned so that their openings are aligned with each other. The gas generator is then pushed through the aligned openings. Finally, the gas generator is attached to the generator carrier, and the tabs are clamped between the gas generator and the generator carrier.

[0039] As already described in connection with the gasbag module according to the invention, the gas generator can thus be used as an anchor for attaching the gasbag. A currently used gasbag retaining plate for clamping the gasbag can therefore be omitted.

[0040] According to a further procedural step, during the insertion of the folded gas bag into the receiving space, the tabs can be threaded through a corresponding recess in a wall of the generator carrier and thus led outwards.

[0041] The openings of the tabs are aligned, for example, with a receiving opening of the generator carrier for the gas generator, so that the openings of the tabs are aligned with the receiving opening.

[0042] The gas generator can then be partially inserted from outside the receiving space through the receiving opening and the openings of the tabs and attached to the generator support.

[0043] The tabs are therefore automatically fixed when the gas generator is attached to the generator support.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the gas generator is attached to the generator support by means of a bayonet connection. An advantage of this is that assembly can be carried out without tools.

[0045] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made. The drawings show:

[0046] - Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a gasbag module according to the invention,

[0047] - Figure 2 shows the gasbag module from Figure 1 in a side view,

[0048] - Figure 3 shows the gasbag module from Figure 1 in a sectional view,

[0049] - Figure 4 shows a cover of the gasbag module with a folded gasbag contained therein,

[0050] - Figure 5 shows a state during the assembly of the gasbag module from Figure 1 ,

[0051] - Figure 6 shows another state during the assembly of the gasbag module,

[0052] - Figure 7 shows the gasbag module with mounted gas generator,

[0053] - Figure 8 shows the gasbag module from Figure 1 in a fully assembled state,

[0054] - Figure 9 shows a generator support for the gasbag module from Figure 1, - Figure 10 shows a counter plate for the gasbag module from Figure 1,

[0055] - Figure 11 shows a folded gasbag of the gasbag module from Figure 1 with tabs attached to the gasbag,

[0056] - Figure 12 shows another variant of the gasbag module according to the invention in an exploded view,

[0057] - Figure 13 shows the gasbag module from Figure 12 in a view from below under an instrument panel,

[0058] - Figure 14 shows the gasbag module from Figure 12 in a side view,

[0059] - Figure 15 shows the gasbag module from Figure 12 in a sectional view,

[0060] - Figure 16 shows the gasbag module from Figure 12 in a perspective view from below, and

[0061] - Figure 17 shows the gasbag module from Figure 1 with the gasbag unfolded, the gasbag being shown transparently.

[0062] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a gasbag module 10. The gasbag module 10 illustrated in Figure 1 is a front gasbag module.

[0063] More precisely, the gasbag module 10 illustrated in Figure 1 is a driver airbag module mounted in the hub area of ​​a steering wheel 12, i.e., a gasbag module 10 assigned to a driver's seat.

[0064] The gasbag module 10 comprises a cover 14, which in the exemplary embodiment is a steering wheel cover, a gasbag 16, a generator carrier 18, a gas generator 20 and a counter plate 22, in particular designed as a counter plate.

[0065] As can be seen in Figure 1, the generator support 18 is trough-shaped and defines a receiving space 24 for receiving the folded gas bag 16. The receiving space 24 can be dimensioned such that the folded gas bag 16 is completely or only partially contained within the receiving space 24. In the exemplary embodiment, the gas generator 20 is a cylindrical pot generator.

[0066] Figure 2 additionally shows the gasbag module 10 in a side view.

[0067] Figure 3 shows the gasbag module 10 in a sectional view.

[0068] Figure 3 shows that the generator support 18 is a container open at the outlet end, with a circumferential wall 26 and a bottom 28. The circumferential wall 26 and the bottom 28 together form a wall 31 of the generator support 18.

[0069] There is a receiving opening 29 in the floor for the gas generator 20.

[0070] Furthermore, it can be seen from Figure 3 that the wall 31 of the generator support 18 is formed, at least in sections, as a double wall with an inner wall 30 and an outer wall 32 spaced apart from it in a direction transverse to a central axis of the generator support 18. Consequently, there is a gap between the inner wall 30 and the outer wall 32.

[0071] In the exemplary embodiment, the double wall does not extend over the entire height of the generator support 18, but only up to a maximum of half the height of the generator support 18, starting from the bottom 28 of the generator support 18.

[0072] A fastening structure 34 for fastening the gas generator 20 is provided on the underside of the generator carrier 18, which will be described in detail below.

[0073] Furthermore, an additional fastening structure 36 for attaching the gasbag module 10 to a vehicle structure is arranged on the underside of the base 28; this structure is integrally formed with the generator carrier 18. In the exemplary embodiment, the fastening structure 36 serves to attach the gasbag module 10 to the steering wheel 12, more precisely to a steering wheel hub.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening structure 36 comprises two locking lugs 38, which are integrally formed with the generator support 18 and project from the base 28 of the generator support 18. The cover 14 has at least one locking element 40, which, when the cover 14 is mounted, extends between the inner wall 30 and the outer wall 32 of the generator support 18 and is locked onto the generator support 18.

[0075] The locking elements 40 are each formed by an extension 41 of a wall section of the cover 14, with a locking projection 43 formed at the free end of the extension.

[0076] As can be seen in Figure 3, the locking element 40, more precisely the locking projection 43, is locked behind an edge of the outer wall 32 when the cover 14 is mounted.

[0077] The cover 14 is a cover that closes the receiving chamber 24. Optionally, the cover 14 extends the receiving chamber 24, as shown in Figure 3.

[0078] The gas bag 16 has an inlet opening 42 (see also Figure 11) for the gas produced by the gas generator 20. The inlet opening 42 is surrounded by a collar 44 that extends into the area between the inner wall 30 and the outer wall 32, such that the receiving chamber 24 is sealed off to the outside by the gas bag 16.

[0079] In addition, four tabs 46 are attached to the gas bag 16, which in the exemplary embodiment each form an extension of a retaining strap 48, as can also be seen in Figure 17.

[0080] The tabs 46 each have an opening 50 at their free end (see Figure 4).

[0081] The tabs 46 each extend from the receiving space 24 of the generator support 18 through a corresponding recess 52 in the circumferential wall 26 of the generator support 18 to the outside. Specifically, the tabs 46 extend to the outside between the inner wall 30 and the outer wall 32.

[0082] The recess 52 is formed, for example, by the gap between the inner wall 30 and the outer wall 32. The gap is interrupted in the circumferential direction by webs (not visible in the figures), for example in the area of ​​the corners of the generator support 18, in order to hold the outer wall 32 against the inner wall 30.

[0083] The tabs 46 run in the gap between the inner wall 30 and the locking element 40 of the cover 14.

[0084] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the recess 52 is formed in the base 28 of the generator support 18.

[0085] Outside the recording chamber 24, the tabs 46 run along an outer wall of the generator support 18, more precisely along an underside of the generator support 18.

[0086] The tabs 46 extend towards the receiving opening 29 or the gas generator 20, such that the openings 50 of the tabs 46 are aligned with the receiving opening 29. This is particularly evident in Figure 6.

[0087] The gas generator 20 is attached to the generator support 18 outside the receiving space 24 and extends into the receiving space 24. Thus, the gas generator 20 extends through the openings 50 of the tabs 46 and consequently secures the tabs 46 when the gas bag 16 is deployed and under other tensile loads.

[0088] The detailed view in Figure 3 shows that the tabs 46 are each clamped between the generator support 18 and the gas generator 20 along the edge of the receiving opening 29.

[0089] To facilitate the alignment of the tabs 46 on the receiving opening 29, the tabs 46 can each have a protrusion 56 surrounding the opening 50 (see also Figure 4), which in the assembled state is arranged radially between the gas generator 20 and the generator support 18.

[0090] The protrusion 56 can be formed, for example, by impregnating the tabs 46 in the corresponding area with a hardened resin and shaping them accordingly. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the protrusion 56 is formed only during the assembly of the gas generator 20. In this case, the protrusion 56 does not serve as an alignment aid, but merely to seal the receiving opening when the gas generator 20 is inserted and to compensate for tolerances.

[0091] Figures 4 to 8 are used below to explain further details of the gasbag module 10 and the individual process steps for assembling the gasbag module 10.

[0092] Figure 4 shows the cover 14 with a folded gas bag 16 contained therein.

[0093] The tabs 46 protrude from the cover 14.

[0094] As can be seen in Figure 4, recesses 58 are provided in the tabs 46. These are shaped to complement the fastening structures 34, 36 (see also Figure 6).

[0095] As illustrated in Figure 5, the gas bag 16, in its folded state, is inserted into the receiving space 24 of the generator carrier 18 together with the cover 14.

[0096] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the folded gas bag 16 is inserted into the receiving space 24 without the cover 14 and that the cover 14 is attached subsequently.

[0097] During the insertion of the gas bag 16 into the receiving chamber 24, the tabs 46 are threaded through the respective assigned recess 52 in the wall of the generator carrier 18 and thus led outwards.

[0098] Subsequently, the openings 50 of the tabs 46 are aligned with the receiving opening 29 of the generator carrier 18 for the gas generator 20, so that the openings 50 of the tabs 46 are aligned with the receiving opening 29, as illustrated in Figure 6.

[0099] The gas generator 20 is then pushed through the aligned openings 50, as illustrated in Figure 7. Specifically, the gas generator 20 is inserted from outside the receiving chamber 24, partially through the receiving opening 29 and the openings 50 of the tabs 46. When the gas generator 20 is attached to the generator support 18, the tabs 46 are clamped between the gas generator 20 and the generator support 18. To ensure particularly secure clamping of the tabs 46, the gas generator 20 optionally has a clamping flange 60 projecting from its circumferential edge.

[0100] In the exemplary embodiment, the gas generator 20 is attached to the generator support 18 by means of a bayonet connection 63.

[0101] For this purpose, the gas generator 20 has bayonet lugs 62 projecting in a radial direction.

[0102] The fastening structure 34 for fastening the gas generator 20 comprises two retainers 64, wherein the bayonet tabs 62 can be pushed under the retainers 64 by a rotational movement.

[0103] The hold-down devices 64 are arranged opposite the receiving opening.

[0104] To prevent the gas generator 20 from unintentionally detaching from the generator support 18, a safety structure 66 is also provided.

[0105] The locking structure 66 comprises, for each bayonet lug 62 of the gas generator 20, a stop element 68 molded onto the underside of the generator carrier 18 and an elastically movable spring element 70.

[0106] Both the stop element 68 and the spring element 70 lie on the movement path of the bayonet lugs 62.

[0107] A spring element 70 and a stop element 68 are each arranged on opposite sides of an associated hold-down device 64.

[0108] When the gas generator 20 is attached, the bayonet tabs 62 are pressed against the underside of the generator carrier 18. When these are moved towards the retainers 64 by a rotational movement, the flexible spring arms 70 are pushed downwards.

[0109] When the gas generator 20 is in its final position, it collides with the

[0110] Bayonet lugs 62 engage with the stop elements 68. The overlap of the bayonet lugs 62 with the spring elements 70 is eliminated in the end position of the gas generator 20. The spring elements 70 thus move to their initial position and secure the bayonet lugs 62 in their end position. This state is shown in Figure 7.

[0111] In the area of ​​the gas generator circumference, the individual tabs 46 overlap and extend between the generator support 18 and the gas generator 20, specifically between the base 28 of the generator support 18 and the clamping flange 60 as well as the bayonet tabs 62 of the gas generator 20. In this way, the tabs 46 act as a tolerance compensation for the bayonet connection and prevent play between the gas generator 20 and the generator support 18 and any resulting, undesirable noise generation.

[0112] To dismantle the gas generator 20, the spring elements 70 can, for example, be pressed downwards with a tool.

[0113] The locking lugs 38 of the fastening structure 36 are molded onto the retainers 64.

[0114] In the last step, to reinforce the bottom 28 of the generator support 18, the counter plate 22 is attached to the generator support 18, the counter plate 22 being in particular a counter sheet.

[0115] For this purpose, laterally projecting protrusions 72 are provided on the generator support 18, more precisely adjacent to the base 28 of the generator support 18.

[0116] The counter plate 22 has correspondingly shaped tabs 74 projecting in the axial direction, each of which has a recess 76, wherein when the counter plate 22 is fastened the projections 72 are moved into the recesses 76.

[0117] For better illustration, the generator carrier 18 and the counter plate 22 are shown separately in Figures 9 and 10.

[0118] Figure 11 additionally shows the folded gasbag 16 with overlapping

[0119] Tabs 46. Figures 12 to 17 illustrate another variant of the gasbag module 10, which differs only slightly from the gasbag module 10 described above.

[0120] For identical structures with identical functions known from the above embodiment, the same reference numerals are used below, and reference is made to the preceding explanations, with the differences of the respective embodiments being discussed below to avoid repetition.

[0121] The front airbag module illustrated in Figures 12 to 17 is a passenger airbag module mounted below a windshield 78 and behind the instrument panel 80 on a body crossmember 81, i.e., an airbag module 10 assigned to a passenger seat.

[0122] The gasbag module 10 according to Figures 12 to 17 basically comprises the same components as the gasbag module 10 according to Figures 1 to 11.

[0123] Only the counter plate 22 is not present in the gasbag module 10 according to figures 12 to 17.

[0124] The cover 14 is formed by the instrument panel 80, whereby the locking elements 40 of the cover 14 are omitted. Instead, screw tabs 82 are molded laterally onto the generator support 18, by means of which the generator support 18 is screwed to the cover 14. The cover 14, more precisely the instrument panel 80, has screw bosses 79 for this purpose.

[0125] In the embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 17, the generator support 18 is designed to be higher than the generator support 18 shown in Figures 1 to 11, so that the folded gas bag 16 is completely enclosed in the receiving space 24, as is also shown in the sectional view in Figure 15.

[0126] In the embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 17, the fastening structure 36 does not include locking lugs 38, but rather screw holes 84. Alternatively, however, locking lugs are also conceivable.

[0127] The guiding and fastening of the tabs 46, as well as the fastening of the gas generator 20 and the assembly steps, are carried out in the same manner as described in connection with Figures 4 to 11. Figure 17 shows, for illustrative purposes only, a gasbag module 10 with an unfolded and transparently depicted gasbag 16, specifically the internal retaining straps 46. The two U-shaped retaining straps 48 are connected to the gasbag 16 in the area of ​​the gasbag opening and in a central area of ​​an occupant-side gasbag wall, and define the depth of the inflated gasbag 16. The ends of the retaining straps protruding from the gasbag opening form the tabs 46 for fastening the gasbag 16 to the gas generator 20 or to the generator support 18, as described above.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Gasbag module (10), in particular front gasbag module, comprising a generator carrier (18) which defines a receiving space (24) for receiving a folded gasbag (16), a gas generator (20) attached to the generator carrier (18) outside the receiving space (24) which extends into the receiving space (24) through a receiving opening (29) of the generator carrier (18), and a gasbag (16) which is received in the receiving space (24) in a folded state and to which at least two tabs (46) are attached, which have an opening (50) at their free end through which the gas generator (20) extends, so that the gas generator (20) fixes the tabs (46) when the gasbag (16) is unfolded and under tensile load.

2. Gas bag module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the generator carrier (18) forms an outlet-side open container with a circumferential wall (26) and a bottom (28), wherein the tabs (46) each extend from the receiving space (24) of the generator carrier (18) through an associated recess (52) in a wall (31) of the generator carrier (18), in particular in the bottom (28) or at the transition to the circumferential wall (26), to the outside and section by section abut an outer wall of the generator carrier (18) in order to extend to the gas generator (20).

3. Gasbag module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (31) of the generator carrier (18) is formed at least sectionally as a double wall with an inner wall (30) and an outer wall (32) spaced apart from it in a direction transverse to a central axis of the generator carrier (18), wherein the recesses (52) through which the tabs (46) are each led out of the receiving space (24) are formed between the inner wall (30) and the outer wall (32) of the double wall.

4. Gas bag module (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the gas bag (16) has an inlet opening (42) for the gas produced by the gas generator (20), wherein the inlet opening (42) is surrounded by a collar (44) which extends into the area between the inner wall (30) and the outer wall (32) extends into it in such a way that the receiving space (24) is sealed off to the outside by the gasbag (16).

5. Gasbag module (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the gasbag module (10) has a cover (14) closing the receiving space (24), wherein the cover (14) has at least one locking element (40) which, in the mounted state of the cover (14), extends between the inner wall (30) and the outer wall (32) of the generator carrier (18) and is locked onto the generator carrier (18).

6. Gasbag module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a counter plate (22) is arranged on the generator carrier (18), which reinforces a base (28) of the generator carrier.

7. Gas bag module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fastening structure (34) for fastening the gas generator (20) is integrally formed on the generator support (18).

8. Gas bag module (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the gas generator (20) is attached to the generator carrier (18) by a bayonet connection (63).

9. Gas bag module (10) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the tabs (46) are clamped between the generator carrier (18) and the gas generator (20) along the edge of the receiving opening (29).

10. Gasbag module (10) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that at least one recess (58) shaped complementarily to the fastening structure (34, 36) is provided in each of the tabs (46).

11. Gasbag module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tabs (46) each form an extension of a retaining strap (48) which influences a contour of the inflated gasbag (16).

12. Gasbag module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tabs (46) form a surrounding opening (50). - 19 - 304270- WO- PCT have a protrusion (56) which is arranged radially between the gas generator (20) and the generator support (18).

13. Method for assembling a gasbag module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a generator carrier (18) defining a receiving space (24) for receiving a folded gasbag (16), a gas generator (20), and a gasbag (16) to which at least two tabs (46) are attached, the tabs having an opening (50) at their free end, comprising the following steps: the gasbag (16) is inserted in a folded state into the receiving space (24) of the generator carrier (18), and the tabs (46) are positioned so that their openings (50) are aligned with each other, the gas generator (20) is pushed through the aligned openings (50), and the gas generator (20) is attached to the generator carrier (18) and the tabs (46) are clamped between the gas generator (20) and the generator carrier (18).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that - during the insertion of the gas bag (16) into the receiving space (24), the tabs (46) are threaded through a corresponding recess (52) in a wall (31) of the generator support (18) and thus led outwards, the openings (50) of the tabs are aligned with a receiving opening (29) of the generator support (18) for the gas generator (20), so that the openings (50) of the tabs (46) are aligned with the receiving opening (29), and the gas generator (20) is inserted from outside the receiving space (24) partially through the receiving opening (29) and the openings (50) of the tabs (46) and attached to the generator support (18).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the gas generator (20) is attached to the generator support by means of a bayonet connection (63).

Images